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Capcom kicked off a sale on games in its Mega Man series through the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops today. The sale coincides with the 27th anniversary of the iconic blue hero as well as the debut of another game on Nintendo's Virtual Console: Mega Man Zero. The Game Boy Advance classic is now available on the Wii U eShop for $7.99.

The "Mega Manniversary" sale hacks 50 percent off the price of six Mega Man games until Monday, December 22 at 11:59 a.m. ET (8:59 a.m. PT). On sale are the Game Boy versions of Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3 and Mega Man 4 for 3DS, each down to $1.49. As for Wii U, players can download NES games Mega Man 5 and Mega Man 6 for $2.49 each as well as Mega Man 7 for $3.99. Of course, kids these days may have troubles with these difficult retro platformers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-eshopcapcomdiscounteshopgame-boygame-boy-advancegbamega-manmega-man-2mega-man-3mega-man-4mega-man-5mega-man-6mega-man-7mega-man-zeronesnintendonintendo-eshopsalesnesvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-eshopWed, 17 Dec 2014 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/#comments
One of the earliest entries in Konami's long-running Castlevania series is due for resurrection via the Wii U's Virtual Console service in Japan on December 17, Nintendo revealed this week.

Originally released for MSX home computers in 1986, Akumajou Dracula (aka Vampire Killer in European territories) resembles the 8-bit NES Castlevania aesthetically, but takes a more open-ended approach to its gameplay. This exploration-focused style returned in 1988's Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, and became a defining element of later series entries like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Unfortunately, given that MSX games are not featured in the Virtual Console's catalog stateside, it's unlikely that Vampire Killer will see a North American eShop release. Castlevania fans will have to be content with recent Wii U Virtual Console releases like Dracula X and Aria of Sorrow instead.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniajapanmsxnintendovampire-killervirtual-consolewii-uThu, 11 Dec 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/#comments
Following a trailer for the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. that showed the infamous chuckling dog from Duck Hunt in action (seen above), today's Nintendo Direct livestream revealed that the classic lightgun game is also on the way to the Wii U Virtual Console.

Given that it made its debut in 1984 on NES, Duck Hunt just celebrated its 30th anniversary. While Nintendo didn't reveal an exact date for its launch, the game will arrive "soon" on the eShop and will require a Wii Remote controller to play.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duck-huntduck-hunt-dogeshopnesnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-nov-2014nintendo-eshopvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-eshopwii-u-virtual-consoleWed, 05 Nov 2014 17:44:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/03/after-burner-2-leads-segas-second-set-of-3ds-classics-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/03/after-burner-2-leads-segas-second-set-of-3ds-classics-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/03/after-burner-2-leads-segas-second-set-of-3ds-classics-next-year/#comments
Sega announced plans to re-release five games from its catalog on 3DS in 2015, the publisher announced today. The next set of "3D Classics" from Sega will reach North America and Europe next year, starting with After Burner 2 in early 2015. Sega plans to issue one game every month from that point on, each priced at $5.99 (£4.49 / €4.99) on Nintendo's 3DS eShop.

Though it did not list the order in which the games will appear on the eShop, the other four games getting the 3D relaunch treatment are Fantasy Zone, Fantasy Zone 2, OutRun and Thunder Blade. The first set of 3D Classics launched in late November 2013 and included games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Ecco the Dolphin and Shinobi 3. Games in the 3D Classic catalog such as Space Harrier feature additional game settings that allow players to optimize the difficulty, number of lives and other bonus functions, improving on the original games.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-classics3ds3ds-eshopafter-burner-2eShopfantasy-zonefantasy-zone-iinintendonintendo-eshopOutRunremakesReReleasesegathunder-bladevirtual-consoleMon, 03 Nov 2014 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/#comments
Capcom will resurrect a pair of demonic platformers from its back catalog next week with the launch of Demon's Crest and Gargoyle's Quest 2 for the Nintendo eShop.

Both games star Ghosts 'n Goblins series antagonist Firebrand, and both feature side-scrolling action bolstered by action-RPG elements. Firebrand navigates an RPG-like overworld in between difficult platforming sequences in 1992's Gargoyle's Quest 2 for the NES, while the 1994 SNES series finale Demon's Crest takes a more open-ended approach, challenging players to return to previously-explored levels as they uncover hidden items and pursue multiple endings.

Capcom's upcoming eShop re-releases will premiere at a significant discount compared to their current aftermarket prices. Cartridge-only copies of Demon's Crest are hovering around $100 on eBay these days, and Gargoyle's Quest 2 is approaching $70. 3DS and Wii U owners get Gargoyle's Quest 2 for $4.99 next week, and Demon's Crest will hit the Wii U eShop exclusively for $7.99.

(For the record, I sold my cartridge of Gargoyle's Quest 2 for $10 and complete-in-box (sob) copy of Demon's Crest for around $20 years ago. I regret my mistakes.)

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomdemons-crestgargoyles-quest-2nesnintendosnesvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 20 Oct 2014 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-smash-bros-dracula-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-smash-bros-dracula-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-smash-bros-dracula-x/#comments
It's time, once again, for Nintendo's pantheon to beat the ever-loving snot out of itself. Super Smash Bros. for 3DS headlines this week's Nintendo eShop update, arriving tomorrow with a cast of familiar favorites and eager newcomers. Smashers can currently download the game's free version 1.02 update from the Nintendo eShop in advance of tomorrow's release.

Also hitting the eShop this week is a Wii U Virtual Console port of Konami's Super NES platformer Castlevania: Dracula X. Note that this isn't the version of Dracula X that many hold in high regard; the SNES version is a compromised reworking of the PC Engine classic Dracula X: Rondo of Blood. Konami has more Castlevania in store for the month of October, announcing that the Game Boy Advance series entries Castlevania: Circle of the Moon and Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance will hit the Wii U on October 9 and October 16, respectively.

Other games premiering this week include the anime-based 3DS fighting game Tenkai Knights: Brave Battle, edutainment release Red Riding Hood, and EnjoyUp's Wii U dodge-'em-up 99Seconds. A full list of this week's eShop releases is after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds99secondscastlevania-dracula-xdracula-xkonaminintendored-riding-hoodsuper-smash-bros-2014tenkai-knights-brave-battlevirtual-consolewii-uThu, 02 Oct 2014 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/#comments
Capcom continues its quest to roll out a new Mega Man game in the eShop every week in August with Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge, a GBA-exclusive spinoff in the Battle Network subseries. Battle Chip Challenge joins the Wii U's eShop catalog this week alongside recently released series entries Mega Man 5 and Mega Man Battle Network.

Retrogaming fans can also get their hands on the NES version of Double Dragon 2 via the Wii U's Virtual Console service this week. Double Dragon 2 arrives with its two-player option intact, but please be considerate if you have friendly fire enabled -- your partner probably won't be too happy if an errant whirlwind kick ends them flying off a cliff.

Nintendo has more NES classics in store for the Wii U eShop by the end of the month, including Konami's Gradius follow-up Life Force and Donkey Kong Jr. Math, an early 8-bit release that commands a surprisingly high price on eBay despite its formulaic gameplay.

Other Wii U eShop highlights this week include Ubiquitous Entertainment's vertically scrolling shoot'em-up Gaiabreaker and PhobosLab's twin-stick shooter XType Plus. while 3DS owners can look forward to Collavier's action-puzzler Amida's Path and a demo version of the upcoming Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appétit! A full list of this week's featured games is after the break below.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscooking-mama-5-bon-appetitdouble-dragon-2eshopmega-man-battle-chip-challengenesnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 14 Aug 2014 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/super-mario-kart-races-onto-north-american-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/super-mario-kart-races-onto-north-american-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/super-mario-kart-races-onto-north-american-wii-u-eshop/#commentsSuper Mario Kart has appeared on the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U Virtual Console. The great-great-great-great-great-grandfather to the very popularMario Kart 8 was spotted by NeoGAF and confirmed by Joystiq earlier today. The game still features its splitscreen 2-player mode, and can be purchased for $7.99.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopmario-kartnintendosuper-mario-kartvirtual-consolewii-uWed, 06 Aug 2014 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/segas-plans-for-wii-u-virtual-console-are-non-existent/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/segas-plans-for-wii-u-virtual-console-are-non-existent/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/12/segas-plans-for-wii-u-virtual-console-are-non-existent/#comments
The age-old rivalry between Sega and Nintendo may be all but over, but that doesn't mean the two companies are sharing everything with each other. Case in point: the distinct lack of Sega games on the Wii U Virtual Console. Case in sad point: that situation may not change anytime soon, if ever.

In response to a Twitter user's question about plans to bring Sega games to the Wii U Virtual Console, Yosuke Okunari - a company producer who has worked on 3DS conversions of classics like Outrunand Space Harrier - said plainly that "there are no such plans." Not all hope was dashed however, as Okunari suggested the fan make their desires known to Sega West.

So the bad news is the Wii U Virtual Console shall be sorely lacking Sega favorites like Sonic The Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Altered Beast or - let's face it, everyone's favorite - Vectorman, at least for now. The good news is you can still play most games released for the original Wii's Virtual Console by going through the Wii U's emulation software by selecting the "Wii Menu" channel on the console's start menu. You'll have to use a Wii Remote or Classic controller to play the thing, and you won't have access to that game's Miiverse or off-TV options like you would if it were native to the Wii U Virtual Console, but technically you can still play.

So on the bright side, you're not actually missing out on access to some of these games, it's just time-consuming and inconvenient! Yay?

E3 2014 wasn't just great for new games - Capcom showed Virtual Console users a little love with their upcoming release schedule, and now Natsume Inc. has done the same by announcing two new 3DS VC titles: Both Lufia: The Legend Returns and Harvest Moon 2 GBC are "coming soon" to the digital storefront.

While Game Boy Color cartridges of either game are still reasonably priced, we're hoping this will lead to a debut of the SNES' pricier Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals on the Wii U VC, which typically sells for $50 or higher. Hoping for the same scenario with Harvest Moon 64 might be futile, though - when a fan asked about the possibility of the N64's farm-and-relationship simulator arriving at a later date, the Natsume page responded: "Sadly, HM64 won't be appearing."

Tired of browsing eBay listings for old Demon's Crest cartridges, hopelessly trying to find one that's less than $70? Well, close your auction tabs - Capcom Unity's Brelston shared a slate of 15 new NES, SNES and GBA games planned for the North American 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles. While Mega Man definitely dominates the schedule with Mega Man X3 and a re-introduction of the Megaman Battle Network series, Demon's Crest is also coming, as well as SNES RPG Breath of Fire and the the NES' Gargoyle's Quest 2, Street Fighter 2010 and Mighty Final Fight.

The blog warns that Mega Man Zero 2, ​Mega Man Battle Network 2 and Mega Man Battle Network 3 "may not make 2014," but it's nice to know we'll see them on our TVs again without having to dig out our Game Boy Player. European fans will be catching up to the North American Mega May schedule as well, with Mega Man 2 - 5 and the Mega Man Xtreme series among the titles coming to the European 3DS and Wii U eShops.

If there's a specific title you're crossing your fingers to see, there's a full list of the games and their respective platforms and regions they're launching in after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breath-of-fireCapcomdemons-crestmega-manmega-man-x3nintendovirtual-consolewii-uMon, 09 Jun 2014 16:58:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/04/wii-u-plugs-first-ds-game-into-virtual-console-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/04/wii-u-plugs-first-ds-game-into-virtual-console-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/04/wii-u-plugs-first-ds-game-into-virtual-console-in-japan/#comments
Puzzle-poser Brain Age is the first DS game to arrive on Wii U Virtual Console, and it's out now in Japan for free until June 30.

Nintendo revealed plans in January to add the DS to Virtual Console on Wii U, but it's unknown if Brain Age is headed West or when other DS games may come to the system. When approached on the matter, a spokesperson for Nintendo UK told Joystiq, "We have nothing to announce at this time."

To use its oh-so-catchy full title, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! hit Japan's store shelves back in 2005. The West didn't see it until 2006, but that didn't stop the brain-teaser going on to notch 19 million sales worldwide.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brain-Agedsfreejapannintendorelease-datevirtual-consolewii-uWed, 04 Jun 2014 06:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/23/zelda-the-minish-cap-coming-to-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/23/zelda-the-minish-cap-coming-to-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/23/zelda-the-minish-cap-coming-to-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-next-week/#comments
Nintendo announced that a Virtual Console version of its 2004 Game Boy Advance game The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is due to hit the Wii U eShop in Europe next week.

Developed by Capcom, The Minish Cap teams Link up with a talking hat that can shrink its wearer to the size of tiny Minish tribesmen. Gameplay pairs the Zelda series' traditional item-based progression with Link's newfound ability to grow and shrink in size, giving puzzles a unique flair. The Minish Cap resurfaces as part of Capcom's recently announced plans to port its Game Boy Advance back catalog to Nintendo's Wii U console, and was previously a featured game in Nintendo's 3DS Ambassador program.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap will make its eShop debut in Europe on May 29. A North American release has not been announced.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomeshopeuropegame-boy-advancenintendothe-legend-of-zelda-the-minish-capvirtual-consolewii-uFri, 23 May 2014 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/28/capcoms-gameboy-advance-hits-coming-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/28/capcoms-gameboy-advance-hits-coming-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/28/capcoms-gameboy-advance-hits-coming-to-wii-u/#comments
Say what you will of Nintendo's Wii U, but the Virtual Console grows increasingly intriguing with word that Capcom is working to bring its slate of GameBoy Advance games to the retro emulation service.

Recently, Capcom confirmed to IGN that both Blue and White versions of Mega Man Battle Network 3 would grace the Virtual Console, before noting that the two games are not the extent of Capcom's plans for the digital distribution service. "We are working on bringing this and other GBA titles to the North American Virtual Console," Capcom said. "We'll have more information about the lineup in the coming months. For Australia and Europe, we are still in discussions about the release of Virtual Console titles for those markets."

Though Capcom's impromptu reveal makes no mention of which GameBoy Advance games might land on the Virtual Console, the company has a respectable complement to choose from. Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney are just two of the games Capcom released for the handheld during its lifespan, and fans would be happy to see either appear on the Wii U's eShop. Capcom also developed the excellent (if largely overlooked) The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, which would be perfectly suited for re-release given that Nintendo served as the game's original publisher.

When contacted, Capcom offered us no comment on potential Virtual Console releases, but did state that more information would be coming soon.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomeshopLegend-of-Zelda-Minish-CapnintendoThe-Legend-of-Zelda-The-Minish-Capvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 28 Apr 2014 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/03/australian-ratings-reveal-castlevania-aria-of-sorrow-f-zero-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/03/australian-ratings-reveal-castlevania-aria-of-sorrow-f-zero-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/03/australian-ratings-reveal-castlevania-aria-of-sorrow-f-zero-g/#comments
A pair of ratings submissions from the Australian Classification Board revealed that Konami's Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Nintendo's F-Zero: GP Legend are slated to hit the Wii U's Virtual Console service alongside other Game Boy Advance titles debuting this month.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow launched in 2003 as the third Game Boy Advance entry in Konami's long-running Castlevania series, and later saw a sequel in the early Nintendo DS release Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. Futuristic racer F-Zero: GP Legend was originally released in 2004, and joins its 2001 GBA predecessor F-Zero: Maximum Velocity as one of the first games announced for the Wii U's Game Boy Advance lineup.

Retro-focused Japanese studio M2 announced today that it developed the technology behind the Wii U's Game Boy Advance software emulation, following up on its recent work in Sega's 3D Classics series for the Nintendo 3DS.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian-classification-boardcastlevania-aria-of-sorrowf-zero-gp-legendkonaminintendoratingsvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 03 Apr 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/01/mega-mans-game-boy-games-arrive-on-3ds-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/01/mega-mans-game-boy-games-arrive-on-3ds-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/01/mega-mans-game-boy-games-arrive-on-3ds-in-may/#comments
Mega Man's adventures on Game Boy and Game Boy Color get their 3DS re-releases in May, almost a year after they were first announced. While Capcom's not been in any Rush to get the games onto the Virtual Console, the publisher is asking fans to vote on which they want first of Mega Man 2-5 (Dr Wily's Revenge hit the 3DS back in 2011) and Mega Man Xtreme 1 and 2. The winner will be first out of the door on May 1.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommega-manmega-man-2mega-man-3mega-man-4mega-man-5mega-man-xtreme-1mega-man-xtreme-2nintendovirtual-consoleTue, 01 Apr 2014 08:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/nintendo-unveils-aprils-gba-virtual-console-games-for-europe-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/nintendo-unveils-aprils-gba-virtual-console-games-for-europe-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/nintendo-unveils-aprils-gba-virtual-console-games-for-europe-j/#comments
Following yesterday's reveal of Advance Wars, we now know the other Game Boy Advance games coming to the Wii U Virtual Console in North America and Europe next month, as well as Japan. They each cost $8 with the exceptions of WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgames, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror, and F-Zero: Maximum Velocity which are all tagged at $7.

We've got the full line-up of games and release dates for North America and Europe after the break, but for starters, Advance Wars is joined by Metroid Fusion and Mario & Luigi: Superstar's Saga next week on April 3. Also, praise the Golden Sun! Camelot's revered JRPG is due on April 17.

As for Japan, there are a bumper six games due on April 3 including Super Mario Advance 2, the GBA version of Super Mario World, and the Japan-only compilation of Advance Wars 1 and 2. Japan also has a special offer on the GBA games, where if you buy one you can get another at 30 percent off.

Update: Nintendo of America announced its line-up and it matches Europe's exactly, with the same games arriving on the same dates. We've updated the post to reflect that. Also, Super Mario Bros. 3 is coming to the Wii U and 3DS on April 17, priced $5.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eShopeuropeGame-Boy-AdvanceGBAjapannintendorelease-dateSuper-Mario-Bros-3virtual-consolewii-uWed, 26 Mar 2014 08:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/advance-wars-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/advance-wars-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/advance-wars-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-in-europe/#comments
Red and blue will spar again on Wii U, because Advance Wars is getting a Virtual Console re-release in Europe on April 3. It'l be one of the first Game Boy Advance games on Wii U in the region, but we don't yet know if it'll be one of the first in North America. Last we heard, Nintendo of America had Metroid: Fusion, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 pinned for sometime next month.

We've reached out to Nintendo of Europe to find out if Advance Wars offers local or online multiplayer on the Wii U. Either way, we have to wonder if it's the closest we're going to get to the turn-based tactics series making a return on new Nintendo systems; Advance Wars has been missing in action since 2008 and DS entry Days of Ruin.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-warseShopeuropegame-boy-advanceIntelligent-Systemsnintendorelease-datevirtual-consolewii-uTue, 25 Mar 2014 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/mario-kart-8-gets-a-spiky-blue-wii-u-bundle-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/mario-kart-8-gets-a-spiky-blue-wii-u-bundle-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/mario-kart-8-gets-a-spiky-blue-wii-u-bundle-in-europe/#comments
Nintendo of Europe announced a limited edition Mario Kart 8 is coming to the continent, and it includes a spiky blue collector's model that you probably shouldn't chuck at friends, even if you really want first place. Europeans can shell out for it when the racer launches on May 30, while Nintendo of America has yet to announce a similar edition as yet.

Nintendo also announced a Mario Kart 8 promo that harks back to the series' beginnings more than two decades ago - and to what is still the best entry in the series according to people who are right. Yes, SNES classic Super Mario Kart is swerving its way onto the Wii U Virtual Console in Europe on March 27, and if you buy it before June 30 you get a £5.49/8 euros discount on the downloadable version of Mario Kart 8.

Correction: Post has been amended to reflect the bundle is software-only.

Originally based on an arcade game of the same title, Mighty Bomb Jack is a relatively standard NES-era platformer. The game's protagonist uses the titular bombs as his main weapon, but most of the game focuses on precise jumping, seeking hidden treasure and that particular brand of video game weirdness you only see in Japanese games translated to English during the late 1980s.

Nintendo did not announce Mighty Bomb Jack's upcoming re-release, leaving it instead for fans to find on the Virtual Console. As a result, we can't say for certain what price will be attached to the game, though if it falls in line with most other Virtual Console NES releases Mighty Bomb Jack should feature a $5 price tag.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mighty-bomb-jacknesnintendovirtual-consolewii-uTue, 21 Jan 2014 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-gradius-chibi-robo-photo-finder/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-gradius-chibi-robo-photo-finder/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-gradius-chibi-robo-photo-finder/#comments
Let's face it, the eShop is easing out of holiday hibernation. Just four new releases this week, and that's if you count a demo of 2D platformer Jump Trials Supreme.

That said, 3DS owners can augment their household reality with Chibi-Robo Photo Finder, while Wii U types can augment any reality with arcade shoot-em-up Gradius. If you're looking for a bit more, Atlus games Code of Princess, Etrian Odyssey 4, and Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers are all on sale, along with Darts Up 3D and Aqua Moto Racing 3D.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschibi-robo-photo-findercocoto-magic-circus-2eShopGradiusnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 09 Jan 2014 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-bravely-default-demo-mega-man-x2/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-bravely-default-demo-mega-man-x2/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/02/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-bravely-default-demo-mega-man-x2/#comments
This week's eShop content will look largely familiar to those who follow these posts on a regular basis. Some of this week's offerings have already been live on their respective eShops in between the holidays.

Save for Mega Man X2 on the Wii U Virtual Console and a demo for upcoming 3DS RPG Bravely Default, this week's content dump is comprised largely of stuff Nintendo announced last week - like Dr. Luigi(which launched two days ago), Super Punch-Out!! and Mario Tennis. The full version of Bravely Default launches on the eShop and at retail on February 7.

There is also a limited-time sale on Atlus games to consider. From now until January 6 at 12pm ET, select games in the Shin Megami Tensei and Etrian Odyssey series are on sale, as is 2D brawl-em-up Code of Princess. Hop on past the break for the full list of this week's eShop content.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbravely-defaultbravely-default-flying-fairycastlestormdr-luigieshopmario-tennismega-man-x2nintendonintendoware-weeklysuper-punch-outvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 02 Jan 2014 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-castlevania-streets-of-rage-3d-kn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-castlevania-streets-of-rage-3d-kn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-castlevania-streets-of-rage-3d-kn/#comments
Sega continues doing what Nintendoes this week, releasing updated 3DS versions of two more of its classics, namely Streets of Rage and Shinobi 3. In addition to these reworked Genesis games, the 3DS Virtual Console library expands with the weird urban track and field game, Crash n' the Boys: Street Challenge.

The Wii U picks up a re-released classic of its own with the NES version of Castlevania on Virtual Console. The Wii U also grabs the interesting - though perplexing - Knytt Underground.

If all of that isn't enough to warm up your winter, there's a sale running on the bizarre, oddly engrossing game about burning things, Little Inferno. You can buy it - and subsequently toss it into the fireplace - for just five bucks.

The sale discounts the Wii U Virtual Console version of Mega Man X (regularly $7.99) and the 3DS VC port of the Game Boy Mega Man (regularly $3.99). Note that these limited-time sale prices are only available via their respective platforms, as Nintendo does not offer the ability to purchase eShop content via PCs.

This week's sale is apparently the first of several "2 Games, 2 Dollars each, 2 Days" deals planned for the eShop, though details regarding future sales have not been revealed. The sale price for both games will remain in effect through 8:59 a.m. PST on December 18.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomeshopgame-boymega-manmega-man-xnintendosnesvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 16 Dec 2013 22:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/wii-u-virtual-console-games-added-to-club-nintendo-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/wii-u-virtual-console-games-added-to-club-nintendo-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/13/wii-u-virtual-console-games-added-to-club-nintendo-rewards/#comments
This month's Club Nintendo Rewards lineup offers up Wii U Virtual Console games for the first time, sunsetting the service's Nintendo Wii offerings in favor of Nintendo's latest console.

This month's selection includes the classic NES Joust-alike Balloon Fight and notoriously difficult Japanese import Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels. The Wii U versions of these games offer additional features not found in their previous Wii Virtual Console releases, adding savestate support and configurable controls.

Digital copies of all featured games can be purchased with Club Nintendo coins, which members earn by registering 3DS, Wii and Wii U software. The Lost Levels is available for 150 Club Nintendo coins, while Balloon Fight can be redeemed for 200 coins. Also up for grabs this month are the 3DS Virtual Console version of Mario's Picross (100 coins) and the 3DSWare tower defense game Starship Defense (150 coins).

[Update: Players report that Club Nintendo is actually offering the Wii version of Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, despite what the Rewards page claims. Take note before spending your coins.]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsballoon-fightclub-nintendonintendosuper-mario-bros-lost-levelsvirtual-consolewii-uFri, 13 Dec 2013 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/europes-eshop-update-links-to-a-past-zelda-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/europes-eshop-update-links-to-a-past-zelda-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/europes-eshop-update-links-to-a-past-zelda-on-wii-u/#comments
Wii U owners in Europe can revisit a truly classic Zelda when CD-i great Link: The Faces of Evil arrives on the eShop later this week. Alright, no, it's really SNES entry The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and it'll be available via the Wii U Virtual Console on December 12, priced £5.49/€8. A word of warning, though: Nintendo's press release notes this is the European version of the game, indicating it may run at the slower 50Hz refresh rate.

The Euro-arrival of A Link to the Past means it's likely to also venture to North America this week, and we've reached out to Nintendo to confirm just that. That said, it seems odd to bring A Link to the Past to Wii U a few weeks afterA Link Between Worlds. Wouldn't it have made more sense to re-release it ahead of its 3DS sequel as a welcome warm-up?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendothe-legend-of-zelda-a-link-to-the-pastvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 09 Dec 2013 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-wii-sports-club-toki-tori-warios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-wii-sports-club-toki-tori-warios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-wii-sports-club-toki-tori-warios/#comments
There's a little something for everyone on the Nintendo eShop this week. The Wii U picks up Wii Sports Club (the epitome of "for everyone"), the original Toki Tori and the Virtual Console release of Wario's Woods.

The 3DS also takes a trip to Wario's Woods, and it gets the eShop version of Kid Icarus: Uprising (which probably doesn't include that handy stand, for obvious reasons). If you're feeling a little more creative, you could try KORG M01D, a fully-featured music synthesizer program that lets you share your songs with other 3DS owners. You can even save the MIDI to the SD card so you can transfer it to a computer.

And it wouldn't be a new week on the eShop without a sale on an Atlus game or two. From 9 a.m. PT on November 11 through 9 a.m. November 18, both Etrian Odyssey 4 and Code of Princess will be $10 off.

Following up on a trilogy of 8-bit releases, Super Castlevania 4 brought the series to the Super NES in 1991 with multidirectional whip attacks, screen-filling boss encounters, and a boatload of showy Mode 7 background effects, as was the popular thing to do at the time. The Wii U version offers a series of upgrades over the game's 2006 Virtual Console release, including off-TV play, savestate support, and Miiverse integration.

Super Castlevania 4 will be priced at $7.99 when it launches in the eShop on October 31. Players who previously purchased the Wii Virtual Console version can upgrade to the Wii U edition for $1.50.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopkonaminintendosuper-castlevania-4super-nintendovirtual-consolewii-uMon, 28 Oct 2013 12:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/yoshis-cookie-being-yanked-from-wiis-virtual-console-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/yoshis-cookie-being-yanked-from-wiis-virtual-console-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/14/yoshis-cookie-being-yanked-from-wiis-virtual-console-this-week/#comments
Nintendo's 1993 NES puzzler Yoshi's Cookie will be delisted from the Wii's Virtual Console service on October 18, after which it will no longer be available for purchase or redownload.

Though it stars Nintendo's franchise characters, Yoshi's Cookie was developed by Bullet Proof Software, the studio who brought Tetris to the Game Boy in 1989. It's likely that an expired license is the cause of the removal; several games have been removed from the Virtual Console service in recent years due to licensing issues, including Konami's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Irem's R-Type, and the Donkey Kong Country trilogy.

Currently, the Wii does not offer a way for users to recover delisted digital titles after loss or deletion. Yoshi's Cookie was removed from the Virtual Console service in Europe and Japan on October 11.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delistingnesnintendoremovalvirtual-consolewiiyoshis-cookieMon, 14 Oct 2013 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/3ds-virtual-console-queues-up-donkey-kong-wario-land-3-super-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/3ds-virtual-console-queues-up-donkey-kong-wario-land-3-super-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/3ds-virtual-console-queues-up-donkey-kong-wario-land-3-super-m/#comments
Nintendo has announced a batch of new old games are coming to the 3DS Virtual Console. First is the NES port of Donkey Kong, due on August 15, followed by the NES port of Tecmo Bowl sometime next month.

Super Mario Bros. 3 is also on its way later this year, to both the 3DS and Wii U eShops. Finally, Nintendo assures lauded Game Boy Color platformer Wario Land 3 is "coming soon" to the 3DS.

Both the Wii U and 3DS Virtual Consoles have been busy lately: Capcom just recently completed the Mega Man hexalogy on the 3DS, with more of the blue bomber arriving in the coming months. And, late last month on the Wii U Virtual Console, Nintendo finally re-released Earthbound.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdonkey-kongnintendosuper-mario-bros-3tecmo-bowlvirtual-consolewario-land-3wii-uWed, 07 Aug 2013 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/earthbound-and-children-at-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/earthbound-and-children-at-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/earthbound-and-children-at-play/#commentsThis is Making Time, a column about the games we've always wanted to play, and the games we've always wanted to play again.

Earlier this month, a friend on Twitter asked his followers to name a "perfect game." The resulting conversation was fascinating, as hordes of players listed games while also admitting that each had "flaws," or that the plot wasn't strong enough to be considered perfect. Some refused the notion that a perfect game could ever exist, or argued that it shouldn't exist, because perfection is unattainable.

After spending time with Earthbound's recent Wii U Virtual Console, I've come to think otherwise. Earthbound is perfect. To be clear, it's not perfect because it's a flawless product, but because it expresses a coming-of-age adventure in every ounce of its code. At its roots, Earthbound (Mother 2 in Japan) is like a group of children at play, in a world much larger and darker than themselves.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apeEarthboundeShopHAL-Laboratorymaking-timemother-2nessnintendoportremakeShigesato-Itoisnesvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 05 Aug 2013 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/game-boy-mega-man-games-headed-to-3ds-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/game-boy-mega-man-games-headed-to-3ds-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/game-boy-mega-man-games-headed-to-3ds-virtual-console/#comments
After recently completing the NES Mega Man hexalogy on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, Capcom has announced plans to bring six additional Game Boy Mega Man games to the Nintendo eShop in the coming months.

The monochrome Game Boy versions of Mega Man II, III, IV, and V are next up in Capcom's 3DS Virtual Console schedule. The first entry in the series, Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge, hit the service back in 2011.

Capcom additionally announced plans to release 3DS Virtual Console versions of Mega Man Xtreme and Mega Man Xtreme 2, both of which are built on remixed elements from the Mega Man X series. A recent ESRB ratings submission suggests that Mega Man's Game Gear spinoff may also be on tap for a Virtual Console release.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommega-mannintendovirtual-consoleThu, 18 Jul 2013 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/earthbound-launches-on-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/earthbound-launches-on-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/earthbound-launches-on-wii-u-eshop/#commentsEarthbound has launched on the North American Wii U Virtual Console, Nintendo announced via a Nintendo Direct Mini video today. The port for the SNES game was first announced in April for North America and Europe. The game costs $9.99 on the Wii U eShop.

Nintendo also announced that the original Earthbound strategy guide has been optimized for the Wii U GamePad and will be freely available for viewing on Nintendo's Earthbound site. "Unfortunately, we haven't figured out how to make scratch-and-sniff technology work on the Internet just yet, though," Nintendo's Bill Trinen said in the video, alluding to the smelly cards that came with the strategy guide.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EarthboundeShopnintendovirtual-consolewii-uThu, 18 Jul 2013 11:28:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/24/game-gear-mega-man-listed-by-esrb-hinting-at-eshop-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/24/game-gear-mega-man-listed-by-esrb-hinting-at-eshop-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/24/game-gear-mega-man-listed-by-esrb-hinting-at-eshop-release/#comments
Mega Man fans may soon get a chance to play one of the series' lesser-known entries via Nintendo's Virtual Console service. A recent ESRB ratings submission suggests that the Sega Game Gear version of Mega Man is on its way to the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

Developed by Freestyle and originally published by U.S. Gold in 1995, Mega Man's sole Game Gear outing mashes together elements from Mega Man 4 and Mega Man 5, with uneven results. If nothing else, the eShop release will be significantly cheaper and easier to find than a cartridge copy, as original Game Gear Mega Man carts are currently selling for around $40 on eBay.

As of last week, all six NES Mega Man games are now available in the 3DS eShop. After the Game Gear version of Mega Man launches, Capcom may turn its attention to the remaining Game Boy entries in the series, following up on the 2011 Virtual Console release of Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge. Here's hoping that we'll see a port of Mega Man: The Wily Wars at some point.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomeshopgame-gearmega-mannintendovirtual-consoleMon, 24 Jun 2013 17:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/mega-man-x-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/mega-man-x-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/mega-man-x-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-may-30/#comments
Nintendo recently posted a trailer for Mega Man X to its YouTube channel showing the game in action on the Wii U Game Pad. The SNES game will launch on the Wii U Virtual Console next week, on May 30, to be exact.

Meanwhile, Super Metroid is still 30 cents, the service will see more Game Gear titles and Earthbound is coming this year. We're just saying, the Wii U's Virtual Console offerings are looking pretty hot right about now.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomeShopmega-man-xnintendorelease-datevirtual-consolewii-uSat, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/#comments
During this morning's Nintendo Direct, company CEO Satoru Iwata announced more titles from Sega's Game Gear handheld were on their way to the 3DS via the Virtual console service. We've placed the announced line-up after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsgame-gearnintendonintendo-direct-summersegasega-game-gearvirtual-consoleFri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/#commentsSuper Metroid (SNES) is on sale for $0.30 through the Wii U Virtual Console right now, as part of the Trial Campaign promotion celebrating the Famicom.

Super Metroid is fourth on a list of discounts that kicked off back in February - predecessors include Kirby's Adventure, Punch-Out!!! Featuring Mr. Dream and F-Zero. Super Metroid will be $0.30 for 30 days, until Yoshi comes in and takes over on June 12.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famicomnintendosuper-metroidtrial-campaignvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-virtual-console-trial-campaignWed, 15 May 2013 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/super-mario-bros-2-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/super-mario-bros-2-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/super-mario-bros-2-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-console-next-week/#commentsSuper Mario Bros. 2 is coming to the North American Wii U Virtual Console service on May 16. The game will launch at $4.99.

Super Mario Bros. 2 joins a fairly light list of games on the Wii U Virtual Console, including those that launched the service in April, such as Excitebike, Ice Climbers, Punch Out and Super Mario World. Earthbound will be coming to the service at some point this year as well.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendosuper-mario-bros-2virtual-consolewii-uSat, 11 May 2013 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/#comments
An Australian Classification rating for the 1992 NES urban olympics title Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge has surfaced, hinting at an upcoming release for the Wii U's Virtual Console service.

Notably, Crash 'n the Boys is part of the same series as developer Technos' River City Ransom, a cult classic that ranks as an all-time favorite among many NES fans. While it arrived at retail late in the NES's lifespan and never gained much of a following, Street Challenge's appearance on the Wii U could potentially be followed by Virtual Console upgrades for Super Dodge Ball, Double Dragon, and other well-remembered titles from Technos' back catalog.

Crash 'n the Boys is rated PG for "mild violence" - a generous classification, as the game includes a swimming minigame in which players attempt to drown their opponents. Joystiq's David Hinkle took the game for a spin back when it first launched for the Wii's Virtual Console, calling it "fun, but tiring."